Washington DC will host a sanctioned hot dog-eating contest on Saturday June 24, 2017, to qualify the champions who will compete in the 2017 Nathanís Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest. The top male and top female finishers from this qualifier will be invited to compete at the ESPN-televised finals at the original Nathanís Famous in Coney Island on July 4th, 2017.

In recent years, an estimated 35,000 fans have made the pilgrimage to the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island to watch the Nathanís Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog-Eating Contest in person. In 2016, Joey Chestnut set a Coney Island record on the Fourth of July when he ate 70 Nathanís Famous hot dog and buns to reclaim the Mustard Yellow Belt and earn his ninth title. Miki Sudo of Las Vegas, NV, won the Ladiesí Title with 38.5 Hot Dogs and Bunsóher third straight victory.

The Nathanís Famous qualifying tour is conducted each year in cities across the U.S. and beyond. Other qualifying events for the 2017 season are to be determined.

Do you have what it takes to challenge the reigning World Champions? If so, the time is now. Step up to the table for your shot at becoming a part of history!

This contest will take place at 3.30pm on Saturday June 24th, 2017, at the Pepsi-Layís Sound Stage at the Giant National Capital BBQ Battle, Pennsylvania Avenue between 9th St NW and 14th St NW, Washington DC.

**The top male and female finisher will each qualify for a spot to compete in the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island on July 4th, 2017.**

About Nathan's Famous, Inc.
Nathanís is a Russell 2000 Company that currently distributes its products in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Cayman Islands and ten foreign countries through its restaurant system, foodservice sales programs and product licensing activities. Last year, over 500 million Nathanís Famous hot dogs were sold. Nathanís was ranked #22 on the Forbes 2014 list of the Best Small Companies in America and was listed as the Best Small Company in New York State in October 2013.

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*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant's eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure.